The latest version of Microsoft's robotics programming platform has become available to commercial developers, academics and hobbyists. The general availability of the Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio 2008 (Microsoft RDS) marks the third major stage in the evolution of the product, a step announced at the RoboDevelopment Conference and Expo. According to the Redmond company, the 2008 version of the Robotics Developer Studio is designed to build upon its precursors, aiming to take robotics development to the next level.

“This latest release is a demonstration of Microsoft’s continued commitment and investment in supporting the emerging new robotics community,” stated Tandy Trower, general manager of the Microsoft Robotics Group. “We have used the very positive response to enhance what we offer, in hopes that it will continue to provide a common ground and catalyst for the future of personal robotics.”

According to statistics released by Microsoft, the Robotics Developer Studio has surpassed the 250,000 download milestone. As a measure of support for the platform, the Redmond giant indicated that over 60 hardware and software development companies have embraced the Robotics Developer Studio.

The Microsoft RDS enables the building of asynchronous applications, by including a basic programming model, complemented by tools designed to permit visual authoring and simulation, and even tutorials and sample code.

Microsoft has indicated that the 2008 edition of the Robotics Developer Studio is capable of offering up to three times more performance for inter-services message throughout. At the same time, developers will be able to take advantage of the enhanced Visual Programming Language (VPL) and Visual Simulation Environment (VSE) tools.

Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio 2008 Standard Edition comes with a price tag of $499.95, and will only start being offered in February 2009, via Volume Licensing agreements. However, Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio 2008 Express Edition is available immediately as a free download from Microsoft.

Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio 2008 Express Edition can be downloaded via this link.